I'm one of those guys that just spent $425 on one of the Horween single piece cordovan belts. I know it's ridiculous but I got the dark cognac and it goes with cigar and ravello really well. The idea is that it will last me a long long time.

So like others on this thread, I don't like the buckle. Anyone know a good source for brushed nickel or silver buckles that are worthy a $400 piece of horse ass?

sellran, the Horween one piece shell belts are really awesome. If I was going to replace the buckle I'd do something personal and bespoke. Italian 925 sterling silver, engraved with your initials of course, would look spectacular. Start with Tiffany's and work your way up, or down, from there.

My TSM seconds email shows a Barrie lasted cigar PTB in 10.5 for $399... Someone should call about those. I'm not in the market but that's a lot of shoe for the price

Edit: bunch of other gems on both the 11 and 10.5 lists actually... Color 8 monks in 11 (Barrie), Natty CXL chukkas also barrie and 11... Tremont lasted color 8 short wings in 11... Wish I had the funds to go crazy. Hope someone does

On the matter of the Horween shell one piece belt: I have various belts in dark browns, mid browns, tans, burgundy, black, etc. - some with silver buckles; some with gold. I like the variety. These days, at least for some makers/retailers**, it seems almost an oddity that a gold buckle is used. However, given the lapse of time, this, of course, will change, and some will find it odd that silver buckles are being used.

** one noteable exception being BB, which essentially always carries both

For TSM irregulars, it is best to assume they no longer have what you want, and then call. That way you can be pleasently surprised when they tell you they have it - but even then prepare yourself to be let down when you learn of the defect.

I called about three items on TSM's irregular list: Barrie lasted color 8 LWBs in a 10D; Barrie lasted color 8 short-wing boots on commando soles in 10E; and Tremont lasted color 8 SWBs in a 10.5D. They only had the last listed pair by the time I called, and I bought them. I was really hoping for a pair of black shell monks in my size, though.